How do you know whether or not an essential oil is safe to use?
It’s important to know where the
oil came from and how it was distilled. For one thing the labels should give
its Latin name rather than just the plant species. You should know where the
plant material was grown. Certain plants grow well in certain regions, so if
it’s authentic, it will come from the appropriate area. The essential oil
should be packaged in a colored glass bottle that sunlight can’t easily
penetrate. The shop should appear clean and well-kept indicating that its
inventory isn’t out of date. If you buy online, ask any questions you have that
aren’t covered in their site information. The essential oil should also be
labeled as pure.
I’m going on a spa vacation. They offer aromatherapy as part of their
menu. How do I know it’s a true aromatherapy?
Before you make your reservation
ask about the credentials of their practitioners. Since they will offer a
variety of treatments, each person giving the treatment should be accredited in
his or her specialty. A properly trained aroma therapist
will have certification from an institution. If it’s one your not familiar
with, you can easily find out about it online. Also make sure they use only pure
essential oils, safe and natural candles and wicks, and non-petroleum carrier
oil.
I have a new baby, is it okay to massage her gently with essential oil?
Using essential oils on children
should always be done cautiously. Any dosage used on infants through age three
must be cut at least in half, no matter the method of application or
inhalation. If your newborn is suffering from colic or some other digestive
disturbance, dissolve one drop of Roman chamomile or lavender oil in 4
teaspoons of carrier oil and gently massage her abdomen.
I’ve heard that some people take essential oils orally. What is your
opinion?
Most experts emphatically advise
against this practice. In some European countries, particularly France,
they claim some success in treating patients this way. With so little available
data, we would advise against it.
I drive my car for hour’s everyday in my job. How can I use
aromatherapy to ease my stiffness and boredom?
First of all make sure that you
are not tensing your shoulders and neck while driving. We often do this
unconsciously when behind the wheel. It helps to position your seat in such a
way that you aren’t holding your arms straight out, allowing them instead to
bend at the elbow. You can also purchase a diffuser especially for your car.
Use a sharp essential oil such as lemon or rosemary. Their qualities will help
keep you alert as well as improve your mood. If you don’t have a diffuser then
a couple of drops on a tissue or cotton ball inside the car will also work.
When you are stopped, do some self-massage on your shoulders.
